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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Packets - 2003/12/08DD. kA In.LuIs rauZAIRIa 121HHSAllNNIS CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA Monday, December 8, 2003 7:00 p.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL: Linke, Quick, Marty, Stigney, Gunn 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 5. PUBLIC INPUT: Citizens may speak to issues not on tonight’s agenda. Before speaking, please give your full name and address for the minutes. Also, please limit your comments to three minutes. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS 7. A. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS B. AUTHORIZATION FOR EXPENDITURE (1) Purchase of two Laptop Computers for City Use 8. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approve Non-paid Administrative Intern Position B. Establish Executive Session Immediately Following Meeting To Review Union Contract Negotiations C. Resolution 6144, Setting the 2003 City Council Meeting Schedule D. Resolution 6143, Step Increase for Jim Ericson E. Resolution No. 6146 Recognizing Changing the Name of the Premise Permit Holder for Charitable Gambling at Jake’s Sports Café in the City of Mounds View to the Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce 9. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. 7:10 PM: Public Hearing, First Reading and Consideration of Ordinance 724, An Ordinance authorizing the City council of the City of Mounds View to set water rates and surcharges effective with the January 2004 billings. B. Consideration of Resolution 6148 Setting Storm Water Utility Rates for the Year 2004. C. 7:15 PM: Public Hearing and Consideration of the Longview Estates Preliminary Plat requested by EICHI, Inc. D. Consideration of Resolution 6149 Adopting the 2004 Property Tax Levy and General Fund Budget. E. Consideration of Resolution 6150 Adopting the 2004 Budgets for Funds Other than the General Fund. F. Public Works Quarterly Report G. Consideration of resolution granting authorization to defer the purchase of a Police Records Management System to 2004, and purchase additional capitol outlay items in 2003. H. Resolution 6153 Approving a Lease Agreement to allow TCN Chamber to Relocate its office to the Mounds View Community Center. City Council Meeting December 4, 2003 Page 2 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. November 24, 2003 11 REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council B. Reports of Staff- C. Reports of City Attorney 12. Next Council Work Session: January 5, 2004 Next Council Meeting: January 12, 2004 Item No: 8A Meeting Date: December 8, 2003 Type of Business: CA City of Mounds View Staff Report To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: Kurt Ulrich, City Administrator Item Title/Subject: Authorization to Grant a Non-paid internship in Administration, Resolution No. 6152 Date of Report: December 8, 2003 Background: Recently, Ms. Jill Teetzel contacted me in regard a non-paid internship. She stated that she had heard that Mounds View had a vacancy in an administrative position and asked if she could perform some non-paid work for the City. She stated that her interest is in broadening her experience in administration. Her goal is to find a position in city administration. Currently, nearly all of her past work experience with cities has been in police departments (see attached resume). A non-paid internship will allow Ms. Teetzel to gain insight and experience in the operation of a city, and at the same time, the City will be able to utilize the services of the intern to assist with special projects. Discussion: I have personally interviewed Ms. Teetzel and have checked references. She would be a suitable intern for the City. Since she is currently a full time employee of another City, the time she could spend during normal work hours, and the total number of hours, would be limited. However, specific projects could be completed within these limitations. Recommendation: Staff recommends authorization is given to grant a non-paid internship to Ms. Jill Teetzel. The intern will be expected to complete work projects as assigned by the City Administrator. The work will include assisting staff with human recourse related personnel projects. RESOLUTION 6152 CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW COUNTY OF RAMSEY STATE OF MINNESOTA RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A NON-PAID INTERSHIP IN ADMINISTRATION TO MS. JILL TEETZEL WHEREAS, the City was contacted by Ms. Jill Teetzel, requesting a non paid internship with the City of Mounds View, and; WHEREAS, the intern would be utilized to assist staff with projects and to provide the intern with valuable experience, and; WHEREAS, having a non-paid intern available to the City would be of benefit to both the city of Mounds View and the individual receiving the internship, and; WHERAS, the intern will not receive any payment for her hours worked, and: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mounds View City Council does hereby authorize staff to grant a non-paid student internship to Ms. Jill Teetzel for a period of up to one year. Adopted this 8th day of December 2003. _______________________________ Jerry Linke, Mayor ATTEST _______________________________ Kurt Ulrich, City Clerk / Administrator (SEAL) Item No. 08D Type of Business: CA WK: Work Session; PH: Public Hearing; CA: Consent Agenda; CB: Council Business City Administrator Review _______ City of Mounds View Staff Report To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: Kurt Ulrich, City Administrator Item Title/Subject: Resolution No. 6143 Resolution Approving a Step Adjustment for Jim Ericson, Community Development Director Meeting Date: December 8, 2003 Jim Ericson has been working with the City, full-time, since September 30, 1996. On November 17, 2000, Jim Ericson was promoted to Community Development Director. As Jim Ericson’s supervisor, I have reviewed his performance and determined that Mr. Ericson has more than satisfactorily performed his duties as Community Development Director. Recommendation: To approve Jim Ericson step increase from STEP FOUR ($71,323.20) to STEP FIVE (75,067.20), effective November 17, 2003. RESOLUTION NO. 6143 CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW COUNTY OF RAMSEY STATE OF MINNESOTA RESOLUTION APPROVING A STEP ADJUSTMENT FOR JIM ERICSON, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR WHEREAS, Jim Ericson is a regular full-time employee who began working for the City of Mounds View on September 30, 1996; and WHEREAS, Jim Ericson was promoted to Community Development Director on November 17, 2000; and WHEREAS, Jim Ericson’s Supervisor has reviewed his performance as it relates to the responsibilities of Community Development Director outlined in the job description; and WHEREAS, Jim Ericson’s Supervisor has determined that Mr. Ericson has more than satisfactorily performed in the capacity of Community Development Director which is documented in his performance review on file; and WHEREAS, Jim Ericson’s Supervisor recommends the City Council approve a wage adjustment, from STEP FOUR to STEP FIVE, consistent with the City’s compensation policy as outlined in the City’s Personnel Policy. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Mounds View City Council does hereby approve a wage adjustment for Jim Ericson, as Community Development Director, from STEP FOUR ($71,323.20) to STEP FIVE ($75,067.20), effective November 17, 2003. Presented this 8th day of December 2003. (ATTEST) ____________________________________ Jerry Linke, Mayor (SEAL) ____________________________________ Kurt Ulrich, City Administrator : Item No: 9C Meeting Date: Dec 8, 2003 Type of Business: PH & CB Administrator Review: _____ City of Mounds View Staff Report To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: James Ericson, Community Development Director Item Title/Subject: Public Hearing And Consideration of a Preliminary Plat for the Proposed Longview Estates Major Subdivision; Planning Case MA03-001 Introduction: Eichi, Inc., represented by Martin Harstad, has submitted an application for a major subdivision of the land between Silver Lake Road and Longview Drive, north of Woodcrest Park and south of County Road H2. The proposed subdivision would create 15 lots from the wooded, 7.14- acre parcel, of which half is delineated wetland. Eight lots would take access from Longview Drive and seven lots would access Silver Lake Road. All of the proposed lots satisfy the City’s expanded subdivision requirements within a wetland zoning district (Section 1010.07, Subd. 3). In addition to Rice Creek Watershed District approval, the proposed subdivision would necessitate wetland alteration permit approval by the City Council. A public hearing has been advertised for this meeting and notices were delivered to all registered property owners within 350 feet of the Longview Estates parcel. Previous Submittal: The City processed a request for a major subdivision of this land in 2001, ultimately denying a variance and the subdivision as not conforming to the City’s subdivision standards. The original submission contemplated an eleven-lot development with each lot fronting Longview Drive. No lots were platted fronting Silver Lake Road. The issue with the original plat was that in a wetland district, there are minimum lot widths that exceed the standard widths, such that instead of eleven possible lots, only eight were allowable. The applicant applied for a variance which was denied due to lack of perceived hardship. Finally, the plat was revised to show 26 lots, well in excess of what is allowed, and the plat was denied. Discussion: The area known as Longview Estates is zoned R -1, Single Family Residential. The proposed subdivision would be consistent with the existing zoning of the property. All the lots shown on the preliminary plat satisfy the minimum requirements of 125-foot lot width and 20,000 square foot lot area. Of the 15 proposed lots, nine would require filling of wetlands to create a building pad. On lots where no wetland fill is proposed, most of the land available beyond the building pad would be utilized for wetland mitigation purposes. No proposed home would have any significant backyard area except Lots 1 and 2, which would have 30 feet of filled wetland backyard. Many of the homes would be 15 feet or less from the delineated wetlands or mitigated wetlands. Longview Estates Council Report December 8, 2003 Page 2 Planning Commission Action: The Planning Commission held a public hearing on November 5th which was continued to the November 19th meeting. The residents who spoke at the public hearing were opposed to the development, many stressing the hydrological conditions of the site and the potential impact of the development. Others were concerned about the traffic impacts of the proposed 15-lot subdivision. Some Longview Drive residents questioned the suitability of the soils for construction and what the potential impacts would be from the extensive fill brought onto the site. Many echoed concerns regarding the loss of wildlife habitat and a complete deforestation of the wooded site. A final issue was raised concerning liability, insofar as who would be responsible if basements flooded or if other damages occurred. (While certain provisions can be addressed in the development agreement, it would be difficult to hold the developer responsible for pre-existing conditions such as wet basements, since some property owners have already reported wet basements. The City Attorney can further address issues regarding developer liability and financial guarantees.) The Planning Commission directed staff to draft a resolution recommending denial on the basis that the applicant had not submitted sufficient documentation to demonstrate that the proposed subdivision was feasible from a hydrological and engineering perspective. On December 3, 2003, the Planning Commission approved Resolution 745-03, a resolution recommending denial of the subdivision. Legal Response: The City Attorney has indicated that if a proposed preliminary plat satisfies the City’s zoning and subdivision regulations and requirements, the preliminary plat should be approved. The preliminary plat approval, however, can and should be conditioned upon the applicant obtaining the necessary permits and approvals to ensure that the proposed lots are buildable and that the development does not degrade the wetlands or area hydrology. In this case, the subdivision will require Rice Creek Watershed District permit approval, City of Mounds View wetland alteration permit approval, acceptable soil borings and analyses, dedication of easements, installation of pedestrian trails and payment of the code-required park dedication fee, etc. Other conditions may be necessary to ensure that the development contemplated by the preliminary plat satisfies all appropriate codes, regulations and requirements. Approving the preliminary plat does not obligate the City to approve the final plat unless all of the imposed conditions have been addressed to the Council’s reasonable satisfaction. Comprehensive Plan: The Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map designates the Longview Estates parcel as single family detached. While this designation is consistent with the proposed subdivision, one of the stated goals under the land use component of the Comprehensive Plan is to “Ensure that community development is compatible with features of the natural environment and is accommodated without destroying desirable environmental features and natural amenities.” A subdivision should be accomplished with as little impact and alteration as possible. Local W ater Management Plan: Also known as the City’s Surface Water Management Plan, this planning document guides the City in regards to drainage and stormwater management. The plan, which is in the midst of being updated, did not contemplate any development on this site. The City’s engineering consultant, SEH, indicates that careful consideration will need to be given to ensure the subdivision and future development does not cause unintended adverse hydrological impacts. SEH will review any and all engineering and hydrology analyses produced and submitted by the applicants and may perform its own analysis to ensure plan compliance. Longview Estates Council Report December 8, 2003 Page 3 Easements: The City’s Subdivision Code requires that plats dedicate p erimeter drainage and utility easements for each lot in the subdivision, and dedicate easements for all wetlands, stormwater holding ponds and interior drainageways associated with the development. This plat does dedicate the necessary perimeter, ponding and wetland easements Park Dedication Requirements: The Subdivision Code indicates that any subdivision of land is subject to a park dedication fee. In this case, the fee is equal to 10% of the market value of the land. While Ramsey County assessed values are often utilized to establish the land value, staff would recommend the City Council require a professional appraisal to determine an appropriate value under the current development proposal. (Section 1204.02, Subd. 2 of the Mounds View City Code a llows the Council to require a professional appraisal to establish land value.) Utilities: All utilities to the site would need to be installed underground, per Section 1203.10. Water and sanitary utility stubs have already been installed to serve homes on Longview Drive. (Ten services were installed on the west side of Longview Drive when the street was constructed in 1966.) Water and sanitary sewer services are NOT available on the Silver Lake Road side of the development and in all likelihood, new main lines would need to be installed in the Silver Lake Road (County) right of way. Telephone, electric and cable would also need to be installed underground if utility poles are not already present on the site. If poles are present, services from the poles would be undergrounded. Traffic: the amount of daily vehicle trips will increase on both Longview Drive and Silver Lake Road as a result of this subdivision. The volume on Longview Drive would more than likely increase by nearly 100 percent. While t his may seem excessive, the traffic volume generated by this development would be less than what was originally anticipated when the street was constructed. (Eight lots are currently proposed; ten lots were originally anticipated.) This may be of little consolation however to the residents of Longview who, up to this point, have enjoyed minimal traffic levels on their street. Traffic on Silver Lake Road is already heavy, yet the additional volume generated by the seven lots will not cause any degradation in service level or result in any measurable increase in congestion. The Ramsey County Traffic Engineer has indicated that while they (the County) are not in favor of the proposed subdivision, they are not in a position to deny access to Silver Lake Road. Admittedly, adding seven driveways to a busy arterial with vehicles traveling at 40 plus miles an hour is not ideal; however two things can be done to mitigate the dangers associated with taking access from Silver Lake Road: (1) All properties taking access from Silver Lake Road shall have driveways that have perpendicular stubs (“T”s) to enable residents to pull onto the street in a forward motion rather than having to back onto the roadway. (2) Assuming the lot configurations remain as currently presented, the driveways serving Lots 9 and 10 and the driveways serving Lots 14 and 15 shall be combined to reduce the number of access points onto Silver Lake Road from seven to five. The homes on these lots would need to be constructed such that the garages were side by side. Longview Estates Council Report December 8, 2003 Page 4 Vegetation: The seven acre site is heavily wooded and acts as a significant wind break and buffer to the homes on the east side of Longview Drive. The current proposal w ould require the removal of virtually every tree outside of the wetlands, as well as many of the trees within the wetlands. While the City does not have a tree preservation ordinance or tree replacement policy that would protect or preserve some of the trees, the City can require that grading activity be prohibited within its right of way to every extent possible. Only grading for the installation of driveways should be permitted in the City’s right of way. To ensure that trees are not inappropriately removed, the Council may require as a condition of preliminary plat approval that the applicant submit a tree inventory of significant trees (the City Forester will make the determination as to what constitutes a “significant” tree) prior to final plat approval. Trailways: The City’s policy is to require the project’s developer to install any necessary sidewalks and trailways in conjunction with the project construction. While the Comprehensive Plan indicates that a trailway is needed on Silver Lake Road, the City Council will need to determine whether a trailway should be included as a condition of preliminary plat approval. Given that there are no sidewalks or trails on Silver Lake Road in this area, such an installation would be beneficial and would allow the new residents on Silver Lake Road to walk safely north to County Road H2 or south to the trails in Woodcrest Park and beyond to County Road H. Hydrology: Approximately fifty percent of the Longview Estates site is delineated wetland, so hydrology concerns are paramount and will need to be thoroughly reviewed before development can be approved. One such opportunity for review is addressed in Section 1010 of the City Code which requires a wetland alteration permit if any work is proposed within a wetland. (The standards for alteration permit review are attached for the Council’s reference.) The developer shall apply for a city wetland alteration permit as a condition of preliminary plat approval and shall receive approval of said permit before the final plat can be considered. In addition, because of the size of the site and the presence of the wetlands, Rice Creek Watershed District will need to review the proposed subdivision. The developer, as a condition of preliminary plat approval, shall also apply for a receive approval of a Watershed permit before the final plat can be reviewed. The final plat shall reflect all changes required by the watershed district. Soils: Much public discussion has been focused on the soil composition of the site and its suitability for residential development. The applicant has stated that there would be a need to excavate the organic soil and replace it with a more suitable material. It is uncertain how much earth will need to be excavated to create buildable pads which is why soil borings will need to be performed (at least one boring per lot.) The soil boring data will need to be submitted in concert with the wetland alteration permit application for review by the City’s engineer. Longview Estates Council Report December 8, 2003 Page 5 Recommendation: Hold the public hearing and discuss the proposed preliminary plat and the associated issues surrounding the subdivision. As was stated above, the preliminary plat satisfies the expanded minimum zoning and subdivision requirements. While the Planning Commission has made a recommendation of denial, the City Attorney recommends that the preliminary plat should be approved because it does meet the City’s requirements; however the approval should be conditioned upon the applicant’s satisfaction of other permits, applications and code requirements. Keeping in mind the City Attorney’s comments, there are three options available to the Council regarding this preliminary plat application: 1. Review the request and take no immediate action. This option may be preferable if the intent is to allow for additional public comment into the record or if the Council feels additional information is needed before an informed decision can be made. 2. Review the request and conditionally approve the preliminary plat. This option may be premature at this point unless the Council feels no further discussion is warranted on the matter. Staff has drafted a resolution that can be acted on or revised as deemed necessary and appropriate by the City Council and/or the City Attorney. 3. Review the request and direct staff to draft a resolution of denial consistent with the Planning Commission’s recommendation. Based on conversations with and feedback from the City Attorney, staff would not recommend the Council exercise this option. If this is the chosen course of action, the attorney would need to advise the Council of the potential legal consequences of a denial. James Ericson Community Development Director Attachments: 1. Planning Application 2. Longview Estates Preliminary Plat (Separate Attachment) 3. Zoning Map (Exhibit. A) 4. Wetland Zoning Map (Exhibit B) 5. Location Map (Exhibit C) 6. FEMA Flood Plain Map (Exhibit D) 7. Photographic Documentation (Exhibit E) 8. Section 1010.08, Wetland Alteration Permit Standards (Exhibit F) 9. Letters from Residents 10. Planning Commission Resolution 745-03 11. City Council Resolution 6145 Proposed Property Lines (Approximated) EXHIBIT A. Zoning Map 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 LONGVIEW ESTATES EXHIBIT B. Wetland Zoning Map EXHIBIT C Exhibit D. FEMA MAP EXHIBIT E Photographic Documentation Looking southeast from Silver Lake Road toward Longview Estates Parcel Looking northeast from Silver Lake Road to Longview Estates parcel Looking southwest from Longview Drive to Longview Estates parcel Exhibit F Section 1010.08, Wetland Alteration Permit Standards Subd. 4. Standards for Approval of Permits: No permit shall be issued unless the City finds and determines that the proposed development complies with the standards as stated in this subdivision 4. Approval of either a wetland alteration permit or wetland buffer permit shall constitute approval of a variance to the requirements of this Chapter 1010. (Ord. 602, 8 -25-97) a. Minimum Alteration in Ecological and Hydrological Characteristics: A minimum alteration of a wetland may be allowed when necessary for the use of property but only when it will not have a substantially or significantly adverse effect, as determined by the City, upon the ecological and hydrological characteristics of the wetland. However, in no case shall the restrictions set out below in Section 1010.08, subdivision 3a(1) - (6) be exceeded. Since the extent of alteration which can be permitted is limited, the City, when considering a permit application, shall consider equal apportionment of alteration opportunity. The alteration opportunity within the wetland shall be allocated among property owners in proportion to the area of wetland located within each property. (Ord. 602, 8-25-97) (1) Any alteration shall not cause a reduction in the flood storage capacity of the wetland. Flood storage capacity shall be determined by analysis of the runoff from the entire developed wetland drainage district resulting from both the two (2) year and one hundred (100) year frequency, twenty four (24)hour SCS Type I distribution storms. (2) An alteration shall not reduce the existing water quality enhancement value of a wetland under conditions of ultimate development, during both the two (2)year and one hundred (100) year frequency, twenty four (24) hour SCS Type I distribution storms. Water quality enhancement value of a wetland shall be determined using methods approved by the City. (3) Any alteration shall not reduce the existing wildlife habitat value of a wetland as measured using methods approved by the City. (4) Alterations shall be carried out so as to minimize the impact on vegetation. Removal of vegetation within a wetland zoning district shall be permitted only when reasonably required for the placement of structures and use of property. (Ord. 602, 8-25-97) (5) Alterations shall not adversely affect the water flow characteristics within the wetland as determined by the City. (6) Storm water runoff from a development may be directed to the wetland when in conformance with the Local Water Management Plan1 and only when substantially, as determined by the Council, free of sediment, debris and chemical pollutants and only at rates which will not substantially disturb vegetation or increase turbidity as determined by the City. (7) The proposed action shall not cause storm water runoff from the development to take place at a rate which would exceed the rate or volume of runoff as anticipated by the City's Local Water Management Plan2. 1 See Chapter 1302 of this Code. 2 See Chapter 1302 of this Code. (8) The quality of water infiltrated to the water table or aquifer shall remain substantially, as determined by the City, unchanged by the alteration of the site. (9) No part of any sewage disposal system requiring on-land or in-ground disposal of waste shall be located closer than one hundred feet (100') from the wetland. All on-land or in-ground sewage disposal systems shall meet criteria set out in Minnesota Rule 6, MCAR 4.8040, Individual Sewage Treatment System Standard. (10) Waste which would normally be disposed of at a solid or hazardous waste disposal site or which would normally be discharged into a sewage disposal system or sewer shall not be, directly or indirectly, discharged to a wetland. b. Soil Conditions; Control of Erosion: (1) Construction erosion control measures and retention facilities shall be designed to limit soil loss from the development site to not more than five (5) tons per acre per year. Plans and supporting documentation for s uch measures and facilities shall be developed and approved by the City prior to commencement of construction. (2) The applicant for the wetland alteration permit shall be required to demonstrate that, after the development is completed, the conditions on the site will be stabilized such that the yearly soil loss from the site will not be greater than five-tenths (0.5) ton per acre per year. (3) Sediment and soil loss shall be determined utilizing the Universal Soil Loss Equation as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service Technical Field Guide, as amended from time to time, as provided for Ramsey Soil and Water Conservation District. (4) Only fill substantially free of chemical pollutants and wastes, as determined by the City, may be used. (5) A building's minimum elevation permitted in a wetland zoning district shall be as defined in the Local Water Management Plan3. (6) No alteration shall be allowed which will endanger the health, safety or welfare of persons or which may result in unusual road maintenance costs or utility line breakages due to soil limitations, including high frost action. c. Scheduling of Work: Work in the wetland will not be performed during the breeding season of water fowl or fish spawning season. d. Size of Area: The size of the altered area shall be limited to the minimum required for the proposed action. 3 See Chapter 1302 of this Code. Subd. 5. Standards for Denial of Permits: No wetland alteration or wetland buffer permit may be granted which would allow any use that is prohibited in the zoning district in which the property is located or which will: (Ord. 602, 8-25-97) a. Result in incompatible land uses or which would be detrimental to surface and ground water resources. Ord. 602, 8-25-97) b. Increase the financial burdens imposed on the community through increasing floods and overflow of water onto land areas within this City or onto land areas adjacent to Rice Creek. (Ord. 602, 8-25-97) c. Be not in keeping with land use plans and planning objectives for the City or which will increase or cause danger to life or property. (Ord. 602, 8-25-97) d. Be inconsistent with the objectives of encouraging land uses compatible with the preservation of the natural land forms, vegetation and wetlands within the City. (Ord. 602, 8- 25-97) e. Include development of land and water areas essential to continue the temporary withholding of rapid runoff of surface water which contributes to downstream flooding or water pollution or development of land and water areas which provide ground water recharge or development which diminishes the land or water which are necessary to carry increased flows of storm water following periods of heavy precipitation. (Ord. 602, 8-25-97) DEAN & KARIN HAASE 5181 Longview Drive, Mounds View MN 55112 Home: (763) 792 - 2272 Work: (763) 574 - 7374 E-Mail: haasedean@msn.com November 6th, 2003 Attn.: Jim Ericson ( and Mounds View City Council ) RE: November 5th 2003 Public Hearing & Eichi, Inc. Longview Estates Proposal Dear Mounds View City Council, After attending the Mounds View public hearing on November 6th, 2003 my wife and I are submitting this letter after hearing the issues. (Frankly, we also are surprised that after being turned down numerous times by the Mounds View Planning Commission, Mounds View City Council, and Rice Creek Watershed District, that this issue keeps coming up.) Karin and I are both very opposed to the proposal of the Harstad Companies & Eichi Inc. to further develop the property known as Mueller Addition Lot 4, Block 1. This development is known as the Longview Estates subdivision. The reasons are listed below. 1.) Local area water table effects. This issue has been one of the largest debates of this proposed subdivision. Most people who live on Longview Drive opposite from the proposed development have witnessed a marshy wetland with standing water on the property directly across from their existing homes. Some have already had water in their basements due not to improper construction, but to unnaturally high levels of the area’s water table. Over the last 2 years Karin and I had our sump pump in our basement running every 20 - 30 minutes to take away the water that existed due to the high water table. Even with the sump pump we could still see damp spots on the basement floor where the water was trying to seep up through cracks in the concrete, (We are one of the few people in the area who even have a sump pump.) (People will say that this was the 100 year wet spring with all the snow, but what happens next time when we get this kind of winter followed by the types of melting that we saw last spring? Pay close attention to what has been happening with the flooding in the midsection of the country in the last decade and it should be painfully obvious that this is becoming a more common problem that no-one has ever planned for.) What we want assured to us is that if houses are built into this existing area that we will not have ANY problems with wet basements! Otherwise, we too want to know who our lawyer should contact as well because the damages will NOT come out of our pockets. 2.) Mueller Addition Lot 4 Block 1, soil stability & soil composition. Again, most residents along Longview Drive know the proposed subdivision land as marshy and unstable. (Reference the house just built on the South end of Longview Drive who has already had driveway settling and other building problems due to the fact that the ground underneath the property was not stable enough for the structure on top of it.) Mr. Harstad has claimed that he will have to dig out a minimal amount of land for the property to be suitable for building, have any engineers supported this claim? Also, Mr. Harstad has claimed that he will have his engineers, the city engineers, and also the Rice Creek Watershed engineers monitoring the project to insure that there are no problems. This statement also makes Karin and I very nervous because where were the engineers who built Silver Lake Road on the west side of the proposed property? This road has settled tremendously due to the soil base upon which it also was built. It is like a roller coaster in places! I would hope that the engineers involved with that project had not intended it to be that way! If they didn’t, that would prove my point that engineers also make mistakes and when this happens on the proposed Longview Estates subdivision where should the current residents of Longview Drive send their damage claims to have them covered. (By the builder’s insurance company I would hope.) That would incidentally not be Mr. Harstad as was pointed out in detail in previous planning commission meetings before. After Mr. Harstad sells the property, to whatever builder has the highest price I am sure, there is no assurance that these builders will stand up to what Mr. Harstad has claimed in the past. They will do whatever is profitable for them, and we are afraid that it will ultimately fall upon us, the other property owners along Longview Drive who will sacrifice the ultimate expense of damage to our existing homes due to actions of the land developers. 3.) Property values of proposed housing if minimum lot width variance is passed. We are also concerned about the area’s property values if the variance for reduced minimum lot widths is passed on this property. Mr. Harstad has claimed from the beginning that the proposed homes that he would have built on the site would be worth $300k to $350k and this would greatly appreciate the values of the homes in the surrounding area. We feel that he is full of lies. We just had our house re-appraised not long ago for $165k and I know that most of the others in the surrounding area are very close to this same range. The appraiser even told us that no-one in their right mind would build a $300-$350k home in this area because it would be so out of line with the surrounding properties. Secondly, the proposed plan shows eleven houses being built in this area, they would literally be on top of one another with no real yards to speak of if they were indeed $300-$350k houses. Again, very unlike all the other properties in the neighborhood. If these houses have to be built with no basements due to the water table then the values of the proposed houses will be much, much less than Mr. Harstad has claimed. The possibility also exists that this could even reduce the value of the current houses that already exist in the neighborhood. 4.) City’s responsibility for development along Silver Lake Road. Finally, one thing that was not discussed at the meeting on November 5th, 2003 was the proposed development along Silver Lake Road. Again, Karin and I don’t want development on either side of this property! What came to mind after the meeting was the development along Silver Lake Road. During the meeting it was discussed that The County disapproves of adding driveways to Silver Lake Road, and the proposal indicates a “T” style driveway for safe access for cars. However, in the report it was identified that “No proposed home would have any significant backyard area except lots 1 & 2”. If the seven new homes along Silver Lake Road house new or young families with children, and the homes have no backyard, then the children or homeowners will be forced to spend their time in the front yards of these homes. This seems like a very risky proposition given the heavy traffic that can occur along Silver Lake Road. This is not a calculated risk, but only a matter of time before someone in one of those homes would be involved in a traffic related accident. So my question would be in regards to the city’s responsibility to the potential new residents of these homes along Silver Lake Road. It seems to me that knowing the limitations of the design of the property that approving such a proposed development would put the city at risk of a negligence lawsuit. Knowing the location and the activities that will be occurring on these new residential homes, the City would be enabling these citizens to live/play in their residences with a much higher risk of injury or death than other residents of the city enjoy. In conclusion Karin and I are asking the Mounds View City Counsel & the Planning Commission to deny the Harstad Companies’ & Eichi, Inc. proposed preliminary plat. We feel that there are other very serious issues with building on this property that would make it very unattractive for Mr. Harstad to build on it. I do not want everyone to ignore the real issues of building on this property which include the serious technical issues as mentioned above. Sincerely, Dean I. Haase & Karin M. Haase MOUNDS VIEW PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 745-03 CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW COUNTY OF RAMSEY STATE OF MINNESOTA RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING DENIAL OF A PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR THE PROPOSED LONGVIEW ESTATES MAJOR SUBDIVISION PLANNING CASE NO. MA03-001 WHEREAS, Marty Harstad of EICHI, Inc., representing owner Keith Harstad, has applied for a major subdivision for a single family residential subdivision on land located west of Longview Drive, south of County Road H2, east of Silver Lake Road and north of Woodcrest Park; and, WHEREAS, the preliminary plat date-stamped October 30, 2003 contemplates a fifteen lot subdivision, with eight lots fronting Longview Drive and seven lots fronting Silver Lake Road; and, WHEREAS, the subject parcel is legally described as follows: Lot 4, Block 1, Mueller Addition Ramsey County, State of Minnesota WHEREAS, the parcel is zoned R-1, Single Family Residential and the adopted Comprehensive Plan designates the parcel for low-density residential development; and, WHEREAS, the proposed subdivision is completely within a Wetland Zoning District; and, WHEREAS, within a wetland zoning district, the minimum lot width for single-family residential lots is 125 feet and the minimum lot area is 20,000 square feet; and, WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has reviewed the following documents regarding this proposal: 1. Zoning Map 2. Planning Application 3. Wetland Zoning District Map 4. FEMA Map 5. Preliminary Plat, date stamped Oct 30, 2003 6. Staff Report Resolution 745-03 Page 2 WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on November 5 and continued said hearing until November 19, 2003. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Mounds View Planning Commission hereby makes the following finding of fact related to the submitted Longview Estates preliminary plat: 1. The proposed fifteen-lot subdivision is situated completely within a wetland zoning district. 2. The minimum subdivision standards within a wetland zoning district are 125-foot wide lots with lot areas of 20,000 square feet. 3. Half of the 7.14 acre wooded parcel is delineated as wetlands. 4. Approximately 20,320 square feet of wetlands would be filled to create the fifteen lots with a total alteration of more than 60,000 square feet of area within the wetland zoning district. 5. Neither soil borings nor a hydrology analysis were submitted to support the applicant’s request for the preliminary plat approval. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Mounds View Planning Commission, based upon the above findings of fact and its review of the documentation presented, does hereby recommend denial of the proposed Longview Estates major subdivision. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Mounds View Planning Commission directs staff to forward this resolution to the City Council prior to approval of the minutes. Adopted this 3rd day of December, 2003 ____________________________________ Jean Miller, Acting Chairperson Attest: ____________________________________ James Ericson, Community Dev. Director (Seal) RESOLUTION NO. 6145 CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW COUNTY OF RAMSEY STATE OF MINNESOTA RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY PLAT OF THE LONGVIEW ESTATES MAJOR SUBDIVISION MOUNDS VIEW PLANNING CASE NO. MA03-001 WHEREAS, Marty Harstad of EICHI, Inc., representing property owner Keith Harstad, has applied for a major subdivision for a single family residential subdivision on land located west of Longview Drive, south of County Road H2, east of Silver Lake Road and north of Woodcrest Park; and, WHEREAS, the preliminary plat date-stamped October 30, 2003 contemplates a fifteen lot subdivision, with eight lots fronting Longview Drive and seven lots fronting Silver Lake Road; and, WHEREAS, the subject parcel is legally described as follows: Lot 4, Block 1, Mueller Addition Ramsey County, State of Minnesota WHEREAS, the parcel is zoned R-1, Single Family Residential and the adopted Comprehensive Plan designates the parcel for low-density residential development; and, WHEREAS, the proposed subdivision is within a Wetland Zoning District; and, WHEREAS, within a wetland zoning district, the minimum lot width for single-family residential lots is 125 feet and the minimum lot area is 20,000 square feet; and, WHEREAS, the proposed preliminary plat satisfies the minimum expanded subdivision requirements as identified in Chapter 1010 and Titles 1100 and 1200 of the Mounds View Municipal Code; and, WHEREAS, the Mounds View City Council has reviewed the following documents regarding this proposal: 1. Planning Application 2. Preliminary Plat, date stamped Oct 30, 2003 3. Zoning Map 4. Wetland Zoning District Map 5. Location Map 6. FEMA Map 7. Photographic Documentation 8. Letters Submitted by Residents 9. Planning Commission Resolution 745-03 10. Staff Report Resolution 6145 Page 2 WHEREAS, In accordance with Section 1204.04, Subd. 4 of the Mounds View Municipal Code, all subdivisions of land are subject to park dedication fee requirements; and, WHEREAS, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing regarding this preliminary plat on December 8, 2003. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mounds View City Council approves the preliminary plat for the Longview Estates major subdivision, subject to the following conditions: 1. Prior to the City Council considering the Longview Estates final plat, the applicant shall perform or complete the following: a. The applicant shall apply for and receive approval of a watershed permit through Rice Creek Watershed District. b. The applicant shall apply for and receive approval of a City of Mounds View Wetland Alteration Permit. c. The a pplicant shall submit detailed soil borings and hydrology reports relating to the subject property. 2. A real estate appraisal shall be conducted on the property by an independent appraiser to determine the market rate land value of the site to establish the park dedication fee. 3. A tree inventory shall be performed to identify and locate significant trees on the site. 4. The applicant shall be prohibited from removing trees and grading within the Longview Drive right of way except for those areas identified for driveways and except as expressly authorized by the City Council. 5. All homes on Silver Lake Road shall have turn-arounds (or “T”s) and shall share driveways to whatever extent possible to minimize the number of additional access points on Silver Lake Road. 6. The applicant shall be responsible for obtaining access permits from Ramsey County for any and all work occurring within the County right of way. 7. The applicant shall enter into a development agreement which sets forth all of the terms, conditions, requirements, agreements, guarantees and plans for the orderly development of Longview Estates. 8. The applicant shall apply for Final Plat approval no later than January, 1, 2005 or the Preliminary Plat approval will become null and void. 9. The Final Plat shall reflect a trailway or sidewalk in a location or locations identified by the City Council. 10. All utilities within the development area and to the individual home sites shall be located underground. Adopted this 8th day of December, 2003 _____________________________________ Jerry Linke, Mayor ATTEST: _____________________________________ Kurt Ulrich, City Clerk / Administrator (SEAL) Item No. 9F Type of Business: CB WK: Work Session; PH: Public Hearing; CA: Consent Agenda; CB: Council Business City of Mounds View Staff Report To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: Greg Lee, Director of Public Works Item Title/Subject: Public Works Department Quarterly Report Meeting Date: December 8, 2003 CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT QUARTERLY REPORT DECEMBER 8, 2003 Presented to: THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL Mayor Jerry Linke City Council Member Sherry Gunn City Council Member Rob Marty City Council Member Gary Quick City Council Member Roger Stigney Compiled by: THE MOUND VIEW PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYEES Steve Dazenski Marla Manypenny Nick Fleischhacker Bruce Meehan Tim Fredberg Tim Pittman Bill Hanggi Mike Schnur Jim Hess Pete Szurek John Hughes Steve Vacek Tracy Juell Jeff Wienke Greg Lee In accordance with and as prescribed by Chapter 6, Section 6.02, Subdivision 3 of the Mounds View City Charter, the Public Works Department respectfully submits to the City Council for their review the following Quarterly Report. Respectfully Submitted, Greg Lee, Director of Public Works 2 PROJECT UPDATES 2003 STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT – PHASE I On October 21, 2002 the City Council authorized the preparation of a preliminary engineering report to determine the need for repairs, scope of work, estimated costs, and feasibility of conducting a street improvement project. The street segments being evaluated and considered for this project are identified as those that are north of County Road H2 and southwest of County Road 10, not including those street segments that have been recently upgraded or are County Roads: Pleasant View Drive, Spring Lake Road, Silver Lake Road, Long Lake Road, and Country Road I. A draft preliminary engineering report was submitted to the City Council on September 2, 2003. Assessment Policy At a City Council meeting, on February 10, 2003, and again at a City Council Work Session, on October 6, 2003, the concept of assessing for neighborhood street major maintenance projects on a unit basis, as opposed to a front footage basis, was introduced. Staff recommended that the City Ordinance be revised to allow for assessing on a unit basis for a street major maintenance project. On October 13th and 27th, 2003, the City Council approved the addition to the City Ordinance to allow for a unit assessment method. Neighborhood Meeting A Neighborhood Meeting was held on November 6, 2003 to introduce this project to the public and to receive feedback. The meeting was advertised and notices were directly mailed to all affected property owners. Approximately forty (40) people were in attendance. At the meeting, a summary report was distributed; this was a forty-five (45) page report, which included all the details of the proposed project: maps, mock assessment role, the newly adopted Roadway Major Maintenance Financing Policy, and a feedback form. This data was also made available on the City’s web site and at City Hall. The meeting consisted of the presentation and a consequential question and answer session. The presentation included a slide show. The meeting went extremely well and the residents asked some very good questions. The residents were also encouraged to read the summary report fully and provide the City with feedback by filling out the “Feedback Form” attached to the back. As of December 1, 2003 the City has received a total of seventeen (17) responses - fourteen (14) marked as being generally in favor of the project, two (2) generally opposed, and one (1) not sure. In the area west of Silver Lake Road, all except two responses indicated that they would prefer concrete curb and gutter. One prefers bituminous curb and gutter and the other does not want any curbs. What’s Next Staff will be meeting with the Rice Creek Watershed District the week of December 8th to discuss any requirements they may pose on this project. Staff will also seek input from Ramsey County and the Saint Paul Water Board. Once comments are received the feasibility report will be finalized and presented to the City Council for approval. Staff anticipates that the report will be ready by the first meeting in January. Silver Lake Woods Condominiums – Dedication of Private Streets On May 6, 2002 the issue of dedication of private streets was discussed at a City Council Work Session. The City Council seemed to somewhat agree on the proposed policy: however no action was taken. On July 11, 2002, Staff met with Cliff Ash and Mike Berke of the Silver Lake Woods 3 Homeowners Association, outlining the requirements the City would be looking for in order to dedicate their streets to the City. The City received a proposed draft agreement for Public Dedication of Streets and Utilities, drafted by J. Patrick Brinkman of the law firm Felhaber, Larson, Fenlon, & Vogt dated December 2, 2002. A copy was also forwarded to the City’s legal counsel, Scott Riggs. Should this project proceed, and based on City Council’s direction, Staff will facilitate meetings with the Homeowners Association and their legal counsel to discuss and identify any and all issues associated with dedication of private streets. The last time this topic was discussed with the Council was at the Work Session on May 6, 2002. 2003 STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT – PHASE II On October 13, 2003 the City Council authorized the preparation of a preliminary engineering report to determine the need for repairs, scope of work, estimated costs, and feasibility of conducting a street improvement project. The street segments being evaluated and considered for this project are identified as those streets located south of County Road H2 and west of Silver Lake Road. On October 15, 2003 a notice was sent to residents in the area, informing them that the City would be collecting data associated with this project. Staff will be meeting with the consultant the week of December 15th to coordinate the project. At that time Staff will also review the data collected thus far and discuss any other data sources to ensure that all necessary data has been collected. H2 STREET MAJOR MAINTENANCE PROJECT The County Road H2 Project is nearly complete. There remains a punchlist of items that will need to be addressed in the spring of 2004 in order to finalize the project. Seeding the ponding areas, re-setting some signage, saw and sealing, and cleaning the storm sewer system are the main things on the list. Significant trees that were removed as part of this project will need to be replaced. The City forester has developed the tree replacement plan recommending species, size, and locations for replanting, and will oversee its implementation in the spring of 2004. There does remain an issue regarding the paving of the final wear course. Staff has met with the subcontractor, Mid West Asphalt, and put them on notice that the final wear course is not acceptable to the City. The mid seams do not match up east of Silver Lake Road. Nor was the elevation of the final wear course correct. Manhole covers and gate valve boxes ended up too low in relation to the final wear course. Mid West Asphalt will be submitting a proposal for correcting this problem. CITY HALL REHABILITATION PROJECT On January 27, 2003, the City Council approved Resolution No. 5935 authorizing the preparation of a Preliminary Feasibility Report for this project. The report will consist of two main components: Space Needs Assessment and Physical Needs Assessment. Staff met with representatives of the City’s engineering firm of Short, Elliott, Hendrickson, Inc. (SEH) to discuss the space needs on March 20,2003. A physical needs assessment was performed on Thursday, April 24, 2003. The consulting firm of SEH has finished the physical assessment and space needs study for the City Hall building. A presentation was given on November 3, 2003. The presentation focused on the “big picture” or total rehabilitation. The City Council indicated that they were more interested in the list of deficient items rather than the total rehabilitation at this time. 4 Staff will be meeting with SEH on December 23, 2003 to discuss details of developing a list. Prior to then, representatives of SEH will be visiting City Hall to review a few electrical details. It is anticipated that the draft list/report will be submitted to the City in early January, 2004. The report, when finished, will be used to assist the City in planning for future improvements to the building as well as point out any existing deficiencies that will need immediate attention. COUNTY ROAD H PATHWAY – FROM EDGEWOOD DRIVE TO THE WEST CITY LIMITS On October 27, 2003, the City Council approved Resolution No. 6118 rejecting all current bids, authorizing Staff to re-advertise for bids, and establish a new bid date for the County Road H Sidewalk Project. A bid date of January 8, 2004 was established. The City will be receiving bids for two segments: From Silver Lake Road to the West City Limits and from Silver Lake Road to Knollwood Drive. These were set up as two completely separate bids. The City Council will have the option of awarding the contract for either bid or rejecting the bids and not awarding a contract. Information pertaining to the County Road H sidewalk status will be included in the January/February issue of the Mounds View Matters. Staff anticipates presenting this to the City Council for action on January 26, 2004. PATHWAY PROJECT – ADDITIONAL SEGMENTS FOR CONSIDERATION The City’s Pathway Plan was discussed at the February 3, 2003 City Council Work Session. In addition to the pathway along County Road H from Edgewood Drive to the west City limits, the City Council identified four pathway segments they would consider to be a priority. These were: • Along the north side of County Road H2 - from County Road 10 to Program Avenue. • Along the east side of Edgewood Drive - from County Road H2 to Edgewood Middle School. • Along the north side of County Road 10 - adjacent to the wetland area located just southeast of Walgreen’s store. • Along the south side of County Road 10 – from Woodale Drive to the south, connecting into the existing trail. The two segments along County Road 10 were completed in the fall of 2003 as a change order to the County Road H2 Project. Staff would like to discuss the first two segments with the City Council. Staff has investigated both sites and found that the roadway segments were excessive in width. This, coupled with the narrow boulevards and current obstructions, would make the installation of a sidewalk or pathway in these areas problematic for both the City and the adjacent residents. Staff is recommending that the City install pedestrian walkways along these segments at the time the streets are scheduled for major maintenance. This would allow for the option of changing one or both curblines to accommodate a pathway. This would provide the best long-term solution for the City and the people who use and live along these street segments. In lieu of constructing these two segments, Staff is presenting the option of pursuing the construction of a pathway along Silver Lake Road from County Road H to County Road 10. The County has scheduled a mill and overlay for this segment of Silver Lake Road in 2004. Although the County project will not involve or disturb the boulevard areas, it still would be advantageous to coordinate a new sidewalk/pathway with the repaving of the street. 5 2003 Street Improvement Project Sidewalks There are three additional sidewalk/pathway segments located within the area proposed for the 2003 Street Improvement Project Area. These are: • Groveland Road – from County Road I to County Road 10 • Knollwood Drive – from County Road H to County Road H2 • Woodcrest Drive – from Knollwood Drive to Silver Lake Road Staff would like direction from the City Council on these potential segments. They are included in the City’s Comprehensive Plan. If the City Council wishes to construct these segments, it would be advantageous to do so as part of the adjacent street project. WATER TOWER REHABILITATION The Water Tower Project has been completed. This included: interior structural changes, interior wet coating (partial replacement as recommended, including surface preparation and coating application), interior dry coating (spot surface preparation, as recommended, and paint application), and exterior coating system (complete power wash spot surface preparation, as prescribed, and touch-up paint application). The project went quite smoothly, without too many problem or issues. One item did cause some problems. During the time the lower two segments of the exterior column were being painted, Asian Lady Beetles flew onto the water tower and became embedded in the paint. To correct this, the contractor sanded and repainted these areas. WELL NUMBER 4 REHABILITATION Well Number 4 has been out of service since 1992, due to water quality issues. It is located at the southeast corner of Edgewood Drive and Hillview Road. The cost and issues of making it operational are being studied by the engineering firm of Short, Elliot, Hendrickson Inc. (SEH). A water quality analysis of the water contained within the aquifer from which Well Number 4 pumps was performed. The tests indicated that the contaminants can be effectively treated at Treatment Plant No. 1. A draft feasibility report, including cost estimates to bring Well No. 4 on line, will be submitted by December 24, 2003. Staff will present the draft report to City Council and seek direction for further action. MANUFACTURED HOME PARK ACCESS STUDY On October 6, 2003 all data collected pertaining to the manufactured home access study was presented to the City Council. On October 13, 2003 the City Council approved the feasibility reports for the manufactured Home Park second access. On November 3, 2003 Staff presented opinions from the City’s legal counsel pertaining this matter. These opinions stated that the City’s legal authority to require a second access is somewhat limited. Based on these opinions, the City will not be requiring a second access at the two parks that currently have only one access. However, City Council recognizes the merit of having a second access from a public safety and somewhat from a traffic circulation standpoint. They directed staff to work with the property owners to facilitate the construction of a second access if so desired. Staff will be meeting with the property manager of the Mounds View Manufactured Home Community to discuss his willingness to participate in such a project. TRUNK HIGHWAY 10 NOISE WALL AND BERMING PROJECT On July 14, 2003 the City Council approved Resolution No. 6052 authorizing the firm of Ulteig Engineers, Incorporated to assist in the preparation of plans and cost estimates for noise abatement measures (walls and berms) along Trunk Highway 10. 6 As the first phase in developing a plan to provide noise abatement along TH10, several meetings were conducted to discuss the proposed project and solicit input. Staff and representatives of Ulteig Engineers met with representatives of Mn/DOT on August 13, 2003. Next, a meeting was conducted with Ramsey County on August 28, 2003. And finally, Staff and representatives of Ulteig Engineers met with Rice Creek Watershed District and their engineering consultant on October 21, 2003. Ulteig Engineers is currently working on developing a draft plan. It is anticipated that this will be available in late January/ early February 2004. WELL REHABILITATION PROGRAM -WELLS NO. 1 AND 2 Bids were received and opened on December 3, 2002 for the rehabilitation of Wells No. 1 and 2. The successful bidder was Keys Well Drilling Company. The notice to proceed was issued on December 20th and work commenced early in January of 2003. Staff had the opportunity to inspect the pump and piping at the contractor’s shop and the necessary repairs and replacements were decided upon. Both wells were videotaped to their full depths. The videotape did not show any necessary repairs for the casing of the wells. The videotape also showed that the depth of the wells had not changed since the last maintenance, so bailing was not required. Both wells have been reinstalled, tested, and are back in operation. The project was completed on schedule. Wells No. 1 and 2 will not be up for maintenance for another 7-8 years. WELL REHABILITATION PROGRAM -WELLS NO. 3 AND 5 Wells No. 3 and 5 are scheduled for rehabilitation in 2004. As with wells No. 1 and 2, Staff will be writing the specification, obtaining bids, and inspecting so as to avoid consultant charges. The City will also be draining the 2 million gallon ground reservoir for inspection in the spring of 2004. As a result, the rehabilitation of wells No. 3 and 5 are scheduled for the fall of 2004. ADDITIONAL UPDATES COUNTY ROAD 10 RECONSTRUCTION AND REVITALIZATION PLAN – IMPLEMENTATION PHASE On September 26, 2002, the City Council approved Resolution No. 5824 formally adopting the County Road 10 Redevelopment and Revitalization Plans as prepared by URS Corporation. The next step in the process is to develop an implementation plan. On October 20, 2003 Staff met internally to develop a strategy for implementation. This item has been placed on the January 5th Work Session Agenda. Dan Solar, Traffic Engineer, and Ken Haider, Public Works Director for the County will be in attendance. The purpose of the meeting is to obtain direction from the City Council as to what they see as a priority in im plementing the County Road 10 Plan. As previously discussed with the City Council, one of the first steps will be to hire an engineering firm to survey the corridor and develop a pathway alignment throughout its length on both sides. Other questions that will be posed to the City Council are: • “When should the emergency vehicle preemption (EVP) devices be installed in each traffic signal?” These allow emergency vehicles to safely navigate through the signalized intersections without conflict from opposing lanes of traffic. • “What intersections does the City Council see as a as higher priority?” The plan calls for several intersections to be upgraded and the geometrics to be changed. The goal of the January 5th meeting is to have a fair understanding between the City Council and County as to what the general implementation plan should be. Staff will then send out requests 7 for proposals (RFP’s) to have an engineering firm start assisting both the City and the County on implementation of the various items. DNR REGIONAL AND LOCAL TRAILWAY GRANT OPPORTUNITIES On December 3, 2003, Staff attended an open house meeting to discuss the Department of Natural Resources’ 2004 Local Trailway Grant Program. Application must be in by February 27, 2004. The maximum grant amount is $100,000. The project must be completed by December 31, 2005. Given the criteria for a successful application, the only possible project the City could apply for is the pathways along the County Road 10 corridor. Trailways less than ten (10) feet in width are not eligible for grant monies. Staff recommends that the City apply for both federal and local grants for the pathways along the County Road 10 corridor. In order to be a successful applicant, Staff will need to make a case of these pathways providing a connection between residential and commercial sites and other regional nature sites such as Rice Creek and the proposed regional nature park to be located on the TCAAP site. NPDES PHASE II The City has submitted its NPDES Phase II permit, which included the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer permit and the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP). As part of the SWPPP, the City has formalized and started to implement forty-eight (48) storm water pollution prevention programs. As part of the requirements of the NPDES Phase II permit, the City must conduct an annual public informational meeting. This is scheduled for January 26, 2004 at a regular City Council meeting. The informational meeting is intended to provide the public with an update on what goals were met that calendar year and to allow an opportunity for the public to comment and provide input on the storm water program. LONG RANGE STREET MAJOR MAINTENANCE PLAN The Public Works Department has started the necessary data collection for developing a long- range street major maintenance plan. The goal is to have the draft long range plan completed by spring of 2004. The plan will show which neighborhood streets the City intends to upgrade, the planned year for the upgrade, and the estimated costs. The first step is to review all of the street segment that are candidates for street major maintenance, determine their deficiencies, and then assign a condition rating. This is known as Pavement Condition Index (PCI). Many cities hire a company to assist in developing pavement rating. Mounds View has done so in the past. However, for 2003 and 2004, this activity is being conducted by Staff as a cost saving measure. Another piece of data that will be collected is a survey of all property owners who own property on streets that are candidates for major maintenance. This will consist of a simple question posed on a separate card and will be included in the utility bill for these properties. And, finally, the last piece of data being collected is utility data. This will include utility condition data and historical utility case failures. The combination of the street condition data, utility condition data, and knowledge of whether a property owner is in favor or a project or not, will provide Staff and the City Council the necessary data to develop a plan that will address the condition of the City’s streets in the most cost effective and politically acceptable manner possible. 8 TRAFFIC COUNTS Every other year the City of Mounds View is required by the Minnesota Department of Transportation to conduct Traffic Counts at specified locations. In 2003 the City conducted traffic counts at a total of forty-eight (48) locations throughout the City. Thirty-six (36) locations were required by Mn/DOT. Twelve other locations were selected to obtain traffic data related to specific City projects or issues. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION UPDATE For the past several months the Parks and Recreation Commission has been working on developing a PARKS NEEDS ANALYSIS. This analysis was performed by reviewing all City Parks and developing a list of needs or deficiencies within the parks. This list was then separated in to three main categories: A. Maintenance (do now) B. Budget (budgeted item for 2004, 2005, or 2006) C. Long Term (add to Capital Improvement Program) For the next step, Staff assigned costs to each of the items in categories B and C. The Commission reviewed the list again and deleted any item that was not, or appeared not to be, cost effective. Category C items were assigned to a year when the Commission thought it should be implemented. Category B items were separated in to three groups based on the year the Commission recommend implementation – 2004, 2005, or 2006. A final version of the PARKS NEEDS ANALYSIS was provided to the City Council on October 21st of this year. Additional copies are available upon Council request. Other Issues and Activities the Parks and Recreation Commission has been or is working on:  Facility Guide Update  No Smoking in City Parks – review a request  Park Usage Survey - developed a reporting form LAKESIDE LIONS PARK Several new changes may be occurring to the Lakeside Lions Park: Gazebo The Lions Club is providing funds to construct a gazebo in the Lakeside Lions Park. It is proposed to be 39 feet in diameter with a two-tiered roof with louvered cupola and a 25 year shingled roof with tongue & groove pine roof deck. It is proposed to be built in the open space near the south end of the ball field. The estimated cost is $53,691.80. Fishing Pier The DRN has a program entitled, “Fishing in the Neighborhood” (FIN). As part of this program, the DNR has dedicated a grant to the Lakeside Lions Park for constructing a floating fishing pier. The pier would be 104 feet in length and have a “T” section on the end. The estimated cost is $22,000. The DNR Grant is for $12,200. The remaining $10,000 would need to be raised from several sources, some of which may include: Spring Lake Park Lions, Fridley Lions, and donations. The Mounds View Parks and Recreation Commission is in support of this project. The DNR will also be stocking the lake this spring with large mouth bass and black crappies. Parking Lot Upgrade The Parking lot at Lakeside Lions Park is in extremely poor condition. To explore the costs of upgrading it and expanding it slightly, the reconstruction of this parking lot will be added to the bid for the 2003 Street Project. Once bids are received, the cities of Spring Lake Park and Mounds 9 View can decide if this is a project worth pursuing. At this time, no commitment has been made by either city to this project. MISCELLANEOUS NOTES PUBLIC WORKS FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES VACANT POSITIONS - MECHANIC The City received a total of twenty-seven (27) applications for the vacant mechanic position. On November 10, 2003, the City Council approved Resolution No. 6132 hiring Steven Vacek as the Public Works Mechanic. Mr. Vacek was formally employed by Hudson Chrysler, diagnosing and repairing vehicles that were received for service. Mr. Vacek had also worked for the State of Minnesota as a mechanic. Mr. Vacek is a certified ASE Master Automotive Technician. He also holds other accreditations: International Mobile Air Conditioning Association Certified, Certificate in Automotive Electrical and Transmissions from Saint Paul Technical Vocational Institution, and employee of the year from the State Travel Management Division. Mr. Vacek also has a Class B driver’s license and has operated dump trucks and skid loaders as an employee of Crete-wood Construction. Mr. Vacek started on November 24, 2003. Public Works would like to welcome him! PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT GOALS FOR 2004 PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS AND REVIEW: To analyze the operations and structure of the Public Works Department, to make it more efficient, to better serve the needs of the citizens and businesses of Mounds View, and to better achieve the goals and objectives set by the City Council. UPDATE LONG TERM CAPITAL PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS - CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP). DEVELOP DETAILED CIP SHEETS DEVELOP A LONG RANGE STREET MAINTENANCE PLAN, PATHWAY CONSTRUCTION PLAN, PATHWAY REHABILITATION PLAN, PARK EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE PLAN DEVELOP A STORM SEWER / SURFACE REPAIR PROGRAM DEVELOP A STREET LIGHT REPLACEMENT PROGRAM DEVELOP AN IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR THE COUNTY ROAD 10 REDEVELOPMENT AND REVITALIZATION PLAN DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF ILLICIT WATER DISCHARGE PROGRAM DEVELOP A FILING SYSTEM / RECORD RETENTION PROGRAM DEVELOP POLICIES DEVELOP PROCEDURES DEVELOP A NEW GRADING PERMIT SYSTEM DEVELOP A RIGHT-OF-WAY PERMIT TRACKING SYSTEM 10 MAJOR PURCHASES Replacement Dump Truck Resolution No. 5939 February 10, 2003 Replacement Front End Loader Resolution No. 5952 February 24, 2003 Replacement Asphalt Roller Resolution No. 6085 September 8, 2003 Replacement Larger Format Plotter Resolution No. 6120 October 27, 2003 SPECIAL RECOGNITION Step Increase for Peter Szurek. On October 13, 2003 Mr. Szurek was approved for the step increase from Level C to Level D in the Parks Division of the Public Works Department Gary Kardell Retirement. Gary Kardell resigned from the Streets Division of the Public Works Department as of October 31, 2003. Mr. Kardell had been employed by the City for over 29 years. Congratulations to Gary! And thanks from the City, Staff, and the citizens of Mounds View for your years of service! Fluoridation Award. In November, the City of Mounds View received the 2002 Water Fluoridation Quality Award from the Minnesota Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The award was recognition for successfully maintaining optimal fluoride levels and meeting the fluoridation monitoring requirements of the State of Minnesota for all 12 month of 2002 PUBLIC WORKS 3rd QUARTER REPORT July - September 2003 Water Department • 209,808,000 Gallons Pumped • 0 water main breaks • Repaired four service lines • 5224 Red Oak Drive • 5135 Eastwood Drive • 2608 Ridge Lane • 7191 Knollwood Drive • Went on peak control electric shut off 2 times • State samples (HAA5, THM, Radon and Fluoride) • Assisted in creating and sending out the CCR report • Repaired 51 MXU’s 14 MIU’s and replaced 2 meter chambers • Installed a 6” water valve at 5167 Red Oak Dr. • Completed lubricating fire hydrant nozzle sections • Switched to running the City’s water production off of discharge pressure vs. tower elevation 11 • Made preparations for water tower rehabilitation • Ran test run on hooking up to New Brighton water supply • Constructed report on the City’s meter reading system • Crow worked the State Fair water booth • Gathered information on off-peak electric consumption and savings • Well # 1 Did not run in September due to switching to discharge pressure Well # 2 Replaced cooling line on cat engine Well # 3 Repaired ice machine Well # 4 Removed chlorine tanks, injectors, and cylinder units Well # 5 Repaired main gates Rebuilt chlorine injector Rebuilt SO2 Cylinder unit Well # 6 Repaired main gate Replaced incandescent lights with fluorescent lights Ran new ¼” line on control valve Booster Station Had service work done on the Onan generator Sanitary Sewer • Cleaned and Televised Sanitary and Storm Sewer Lines • Repaired Camera • Chemically treated roots • Assisted in repair of broken sewer lines • Assisted Parks Department with cleanup from Festival in the Park • Assisted Water Department in water meter reading unit repairs • Cleaned Shop • Initiated and receive bids on gas monitor; purchased a monitor • Began fall root cutting and cleaning • Cleaned lift stations • Maintained Vactor Surface Water • Changed/Replaced Cl2 & So2 tanks and well houses/filter plant • Repaired & rebuilt (internally) catch basins • Replaced broken catch basin hoods 12 • Cleaned Street (sweeping & flushing) • Took water samples • Repaired culvert outlet & rebuilt Gloria Circle • Vactored and Inspected Zoned Storm Sewers • Photographed and kept records for storm sewer upkeep • Inspected (Visual & Manual) Storm Sewer (Outlets, Inlets, Culverts & Erosion Area problems) • Updated Data Info. per. Storm & Surface Water • Flushed water/ hydrant shut off valves • Inspected contracted sites (residential) per. Sanitary & Water • Performed connection locates • Exposed buried inlet/outlet culverts and regulate flow • Raised buried manhole castings in residential Blvds. (right of way areas) • Repaired crushed culvert pipes (Laport Drive) • Cut & replaced sunken asphalt due to erosion from collapsed man- hole/catch basin • Of located manholes (mapped) -14 Were raised and brought up to graded level (3 are left to raise) -There are approximately 23 “backyard” manholes which are exposed but are not accessible with City equipment (equipment too large or heavy) They are serving their purpose and do not need to be brought up to grade. -There are approximately 85 manholes in the City of Mounds View right- of-way (boulevards). -9 of the 85 manholes are inaccessible due to structures being built on or around them. Shop • Began installing snow equipment on trucks • Installed auto-lube system on #123 (new loader) • General squad car, staff car, truck, and equipment maintenance repairs • Assessed staff cars and soon-to-be retired squads and recommend plan for replacing needed staff cars • Reposition “v” plow on skid loader to make it ride in a lower position to save on wear to cutting edges Streets • Striped City-owned parking facilities and crosswalks • Ongoing asphalt patching • Received delivery of loader and dump truck 13 • Ongoing sign maintenance and replacement • Gary Kardell retired after 29 years of service Parks Department Silver View Park • Painted shelter building • Field 2 – Re-did infield and warning track (safety purpose) • Installed foul poles • Painted park sign • Pruned or cleared out island in parking lot and re-chipped • Re-conditioned Frisbee golf course. General cleanup, installed sign posts and re-chipped • Replaced tornado slide at the playground Groveland Park • Removed weeds at tot lot and volleyball areas • Re-painted City park sign • Diseased and/or weakened trees removed and re-planted • Trimmed bushes around tennis courts Hillview Park • Laid out soccer field w/goals • Cleaned roller blade rink • Trimmed bushes and chipped around building • Graded ball field Greenfield Park • Repaired ballfield: infield and outfield, warning track, pitchers mound, base lines etc. • Replaced service door on storage door due to vandalism • Repainted park sign • Repaired roof due to vandalism City Hall Park • Cleaned up around marquee sign (weeds, shrubs and re-chipped) • Weeded flower beds • Prepared for Festival in the Park • Prepared for Eagle Scout Project in which they replaced the timber around the tot lot play area • Graded ball fields • Trimmed bushes around tower, treatment plant and Police Dept Random Park • Removed or trimmed bushes and shrubs 14 • Patched concrete ramp • Fixed border around playground (straightened) Woodcrest Park • Maintained path • Trimmed major trees • Repaired signage Community Center Maintenance • Installed sidewalk (Southside of building) • Installed patio with table for smoking area (Northside of building) • Oversaw Gym floor replacement (caused by storm damage) • Daily building maintenance On a Daily or as Needed Basis Performed: • Mowing of grass • Irrigation maintenance • Weed trimming • Equipment maintenance • Athletic field maintenance and set-up as needed • Trash removal • Tree trimming • Shelter building maintenance • Rough cut mowing, ditches and delinquent lots. PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL 1 CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW 2 RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA 3 4 Regular Meeting 5 November 24, 2003 6 Mounds View City Hall 7 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 8 7:02 P.M. 9 10 11 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 12 13 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 14 15 3. ROLL CALL: Linke, Quick, Marty, Stigney, and Gunn 16 17 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 18 19 A. Monday, November 24, 2003 City Council Agenda. 20 21 City Administrator Ulrich requested that Item 8B be removed from the agenda. 22 23 MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Stigney. To Approve the Monday, November 24, 2003 Agenda as 24 Amended. 25 26 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 27 28 5. PUBLIC INPUT 29 30 David Jahnke of 8428 Eastwood Road indicated he watched the work session and is concerned 31 about the $150,000 to operate the Community Center. He then said that there seems to be some 32 Council Members that are in favor of taking over the Community Center but every time the City 33 does something like this it ends up costing more than anticipated. He further commented that the 34 City is not very good at running a business to make money. 35 36 Mr. Jahnke indicated that if the City takes this over there will be benefits and pay raises and 37 comp time to pay. He then said that he would like the Council to be very careful about making 38 this kind of decision because there have been bad decisions in the past and he would like to see 39 better figures before jumping into this. 40 41 Mayor Linke indicated that Council has asked for the numbers and for a further investigation into 42 the numbers from when the City had its own Park and Recreation department. He then 43 commented that the City brought in $90,000 and the YMCA is bringing in an average of 44 $40,000. 45 Mounds View City Council November 24, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 2 1 Mr. Jahnke asked Council to remember to include the costs of having employees when 2 evaluating whether to take over the Community Center. 3 4 Mr. Jahnke indicated that Mr. Whiting had said when the Community Center was built that it 5 would pay for itself but it is now costing the City $150,000 per year. 6 7 Mayor Linke indicated he had made the comment that it would never make money as Park and 8 Recreation is a service to the residents but, hopefully, it would generate enough revenue to offset 9 a lot of the costs. 10 11 Council Member Quick asked Mr. Jahnke to provide a copy of the minutes that show that Mr. 12 Whiting made that statement. He then said that he remembers the opposite being true that Mr. 13 Whiting had cautioned Council that the Community Center would not make money but at best 14 would break even. 15 16 Mr. Jahnke indicated he had gone out to Hudson and Mr. Whiting told him that. 17 18 City Administrator Ulrich indicated that this item is scheduled for the January 5, 2004 work 19 session where Staff will present a financial analysis. 20 21 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS 22 23 None. 24 25 7. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS 26 27 A. Just and Correct Claims 28 29 Council Member Marty asked for clarification on the copies of the Comprehensive Plan. 30 31 Community Development Director Ericson indicated that when the Comprehensive Plan was 32 produced the City did not make multiple copies and they are needed now as the Planning 33 Commission is going to be reviewing it. 34 35 Council Member Marty asked for clarification on Check Number 112189 for a plotter stand for 36 $2,544.00. 37 38 Finance Director Hansen indicated that it is used by public works for producing large documents 39 and was authorized by Council by resolution earlier this fall. 40 41 Council Member Marty asked for further information on the charge for Parks and Recreation 42 from Kennedy and Graven. 43 44 City Attorney Riggs said he could not tell specifically but said it is all within the retainer. 45 Mounds View City Council November 24, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 3 1 Council Member Marty asked whether the amounts for the consultants other is going to be added 2 to the running total at the back. 3 4 Finance Director Hansen indicated that the matter has to do with a dispute between the City and 5 Mr. Harstad so it is not something that the City can bill them for. 6 7 Council Member Marty asked for further information on the $1,200 charge to the Community 8 Center project. 9 10 City Attorney Riggs indicated that the charges were for dealing with issues surrounding the 11 transfer of the management. 12 13 Council Member Marty asked what Will Kill would be repairing as there is a note about repairs. 14 15 Finance Director Hansen explained that the notation concerning repairs is a City named account 16 to allocate the cost to. 17 18 MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Quick. To Approve Just and Correct Claims as Presented. 19 20 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 21 22 8. CONSENT AGENDA 23 24 A. Licenses for Approval 25 B. Set a Public Hearing for Monday, December 8, 2003 at 7:10 p.m. to Hold the First 26 Reading and Consideration of Ordinance 724, an Ordinance Authorizing the City 27 Council of the City of Mounds View to Set Water Rates and Surcharges Effective 28 With the January 2004 Billings 29 C. Consideration of Resolution 6137 Approving Change Order Number 4 for the 30 County Road H2 Street Improvement Project –Installing Pipe Railing 31 D. Resolution 6129, a Resolution Approving the Premise Permits for the Lion’s Club 32 to Permit Charitable Gambling at The Mermaid and Robert’s Off 10 in the City of 33 Mounds View 34 E. Set a Public Hearing for Monday, December 8, 2003 at 7:15 p.m. to Discuss and 35 Consider the Longview Estates Preliminary Plat 36 F. Resolution 6141 Approving the Disposal of Three Pieces of Kitchen Equipment 37 38 MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Gunn. To Approve the Consent Agenda as Presented. 39 40 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 41 42 9. COUNCIL BUSINESS 43 44 A. Charter Commission Amendments 45 Mounds View City Council November 24, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 4 1 Mayor Linke indicated that his first question on the amendments is that these items came to 2 Council from the Charter Commission and he does not see the minutes of their Commission 3 meeting where it shows there was a quorum and he also only read 10 names on the Charter 4 Commission. 5 6 Council Member Stigney indicated that the judge that appointed them reduced the number. 7 8 Council Member Quick asked how a judge could over rule a law. 9 10 Council Member Stigney indicated that the statute provides the judge the discretion on how many 11 members to appoint. 12 13 Council Member Stigney indicated there were 6 members so there was a quorum. 14 15 Council Member Quick asked why the order was not presented to the City Council. 16 17 Council Member Stigney commented that the Council has no discretion over the Charter. 18 19 Mayor Linke indicated that for common courtesy the Charter Commission should alert and allow 20 citizens of the City of Mounds View the knowledge that there was a reduction in members that 21 took it from a minimum of 11 to make a quorum down to 6. 22 23 Council Member Quick commented that, if a judge fails to appoint, the City Council appoints. 24 25 City Attorney Riggs indicated there are a lot of issues at play but said that the judges have some 26 discretion and this is usually done by some type of order. 27 28 Mayor Linke indicated he wanted to postpone this issue until he has better information on what is 29 going on and the legalities of the change. He then said he has a real concern that this 30 Commission that deals with the City’s Charter was reduced without the knowledge of the 31 residents of the City of Mounds View or the City Council. 32 33 MOTION/SECOND: Linke/Quick. To Postpone. 34 35 Council Member Stigney indicated that if there is an issue on the authority of the judge to make 36 the decision the City Administrator can obtain an answer on that question. He then asked 37 whether it is the intent not to take action on the proposed amendments until the questions are 38 resolved. He further commented that all the Charter Commission meetings are televised. 39 40 Mayor Linke indicated he did not have minutes to see how many members voted and who was 41 present at the meeting. 42 43 Council Member Stigney indicated that copies of the minutes are sent to City Hall and should be 44 on file and available. 45 Mounds View City Council November 24, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 5 1 Council Member Stigney indicated he has no issue with this because he viewed the meetings and 2 saw what the action was. He then asked the City Attorney whether there was an issue with 3 regard to the legalities of the change. 4 5 City Attorney Riggs indicated he could review Chapter 410. 6 7 Mayor Linke indicated he would like to postpone to provide the City Attorney with time to 8 review the matter. He then said that the City would need to look at the original vote by the 9 residents of the City of Mounds View and whether that vote set out the number of members. He 10 then commented that he does not feel that the judge has the authority to change the number if it 11 was set out by a vote of the people. 12 13 Council Member Stigney asked whether there were any issues with the language in the 14 resolution. 15 16 Mayor Linke indicated that one has the changes designated but the other does not. He then 17 commented that they should both be formatted in the same way so that Council is aware of the 18 proposed amended language. 19 20 Council Member Stigney disagreed and said that there is a statement at the top of the document 21 that the section is an entirely new replacement section. 22 23 Mayor Linke indicated he does have some issues with some of it but does not want to discuss it 24 now as there is a motion to postpone the matter on the floor. 25 26 MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Gunn. To Amend the Motion to Postpone to a Motion to 27 Postpone Until the City Attorney Has the Information Requested. 28 29 Ayes – 2 Nays – 3(Linke/Marty/Quick) Motion failed. 30 31 Council Member Stigney questioned whether Roberts Rules of Order requires a motion to 32 postpone to contain a time certain. 33 34 Council Member Marty suggested not to exceed two months. 35 36 MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Gunn. To Amend the Motion to Postpone to a Motion to Postpone 37 Not to Exceed Two Months. 38 39 Council Member Stigney indicated he did not see any reason to postpone for two months. He 40 then asked whether there is an issue with the 60-day timeframe wording. 41 42 Council Member Quick indicated he did not like how it was presented. 43 44 Mounds View City Council November 24, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 6 City Attorney Riggs indicated that, technically, that provision is not binding upon the Council. 1 The statute that applies is an acquiescence to say you have received the Charter amendment. He 2 then said that there are waiting periods, if adopted that allow challenge by residents. 3 4 Ayes – 4 Nays – 1(Stigney) Motion carried. 5 6 Ayes – 4 Nays – 1(Stigney) Motion carried. 7 8 Council Member Quick asked who the judge is. 9 10 B. Resolution 6140, a Resolution Approving a Newsletter Advertising Policy 11 12 City Administrator Ulrich indicated that the newsletter advertising policy was updated and 13 Resolution 6140 would approve those updates. He then said that Staff would limit advertising 14 before content as a matter of practice. 15 16 MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Marty. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6140, a 17 Resolution Approving a Newsletter Advertising Policy. 18 19 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 20 21 C. Golf Course Manager’s Quarterly Report 22 23 Mayor Linke indicated that Ms. Burg was elected to the New Brighton City Council and will take 24 office in January. 25 26 Golf Course Manager Burg indicated that the number of rounds did not increase as had been 27 expected. She then said that the average round was $20.00 per person and to meet the 28 projections that number needed to be $23.50 per person so Staff intends to look at changing rates 29 and restructuring fees to meet that point. 30 31 Golf Course Manager Burg indicated Staff intends to try to brand the golf course as the premium 32 executive course and that should not be hard to do. She then indicated that Clear Channel 33 intends to move forward with the billboards by approaching the state in a different way and Staff 34 believes that would be following the recommendation of Governor Pawlenty to seek creative 35 ways of financing. 36 37 Golf Course Manager Burg indicated that there were a few unanticipated projects at the golf 38 course this year. One of those was to repair the ninth green the other was to install a catch basin 39 to catch grass clippings. She then commented that a lot of Staff time went toward repairing the 40 ninth green but it is now repaired. She also indicated that the drought cost them over 1,000 hours 41 for part time and full time staff with watering due to the sandy soils it had to be done every day. 42 43 Golf Course Manager Burg indicated that there were 33,000 rounds of golf, 17,000 buckets of 44 balls, and 3,400 cart rentals. 45 Mounds View City Council November 24, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 7 1 Golf Course Manager Burg reviewed a handout showing rounds compared to other courses and 2 said she thinks it shows Staff is doing a good job in this market and noted the driving range is 3 doing well. 4 5 Golf Course Manager Burg indicated that the water level on the ninth hole was lowered and balls 6 removed which had not been done for at least two years and Staff pulled out over 20,000 golf 7 balls, cleaned them up and sold them. 8 9 Council Member Stigney asked for clarification as to whether this is a quarterly report or a five-10 month review and whether revenue and expenditures were through the end of the third quarter. 11 12 Golf Course Manager Burg indicated she was able to get numbers through October when she put 13 the report together. She then indicated that a copy of the report was received with the budget 14 information. 15 16 Council Member Stigney asked how much revenue was brought in and how much went out in 17 expenditures. 18 19 Golf Course Manager Burg indicated that to the end of October there was $585,202 in revenue 20 and, at that point, it is $36,000 positive cash flow but there are still payments to be made and 21 revenue not recorded. 22 23 Council Member Stigney asked whether the course is making money or not. 24 25 Golf Course Manager Burg indicated that the course fell short this year. 26 27 Council Member Stigney asked how short. 28 29 Golf Course Manager Burg indicated she was not sure how it would come out after all the final 30 figures are in but said she anticipates a shortage of $100,000. She then said that the course was 31 projected to lose $64,000 but because revenues did not meet the projected $735,000 there will be 32 a larger shortfall. 33 34 Council Member Stigney asked why the rounds of golf come out even at 33,000 rounds. 35 36 Golf Course Manager Burg indicated that the figures were rounded so there were more than 37 32,500 rounds. 38 39 Council Member Stigney asked whether there would be a fourth quarter report. 40 41 Golf Course Manager Burg indicated she would do a fourth quarter report in January. 42 43 Mounds View City Council November 24, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 8 Mr. Jahnke indicated he is concerned about the $100,000 shortfall but is also concerned that Ms. 1 Burg has been elected to the New Brighton council and they have a golf course. He then said he 2 is concerned that her loyalty may be compromised and cost the City business. 3 4 Mayor Linke indicated that he does not feel the election to New Brighton council is an issue as 5 he is comfortable with Ms. Burg’s integrity, there are five people on the council so hers is only 6 one vote. And, her paycheck comes from the City of Mounds View so it is in her best interest to 7 make it successful. 8 9 Mr. Jahnke indicated he feels there could still be a conflict of interest because he feels she has to 10 look out for New Brighton. 11 12 Golf Course Manager Burg indicated she would like to make people feel comfortable and assured 13 everyone that if there is anything that would be a conflict she would abstain. She also indicated 14 that she is the President of the Golf Manager’s Association and works for the betterment of golf. 15 She then said she is not threatened by the great business the New Brighton course is doing and 16 her mission is to improve golf throughout the metro area but bring the business to The Bridges. 17 18 D. Authorization to Advertise for Receptionist Position 19 20 City Administrator Ulrich indicated the position description was amended slightly. He then 21 reviewed the changes with Council. 22 23 MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Gunn. To Authorize Staff to Advertise for the Receptionist 24 Position. 25 26 Council Member Gunn indicated she still thinks this job can be part time rather than full time and 27 she thinks it would be a perfect job for someone who has kids in school starting at 9:00 a.m. and 28 leaving at 4:00 p.m. 29 30 Council Member Marty asked for the City Administrator’s opinion on the part time versus the 31 full time. 32 33 City Administrator Ulrich indicated that it would partially depend upon the market and he said 34 that with part time you do not get the full coverage you would with full time. He then said that 35 looking at what would work the need would be between 9:00 and 3:00 so it is possible to make a 36 30-hour position work. He further commented that he likes the expanded coverage that is 37 possible with a full time person but will not say that part time will not work. 38 39 Council Member Marty asked if it would be possible to have two part time people, someone for 40 morning and someone for afternoons to eliminate the need to pay benefits. 41 42 City Administrator Ulrich indicated that the benefits with the AFSCME contract begin at 19 43 hours. 44 45 Mounds View City Council November 24, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 9 Council Member Stigney indicated he feels it would be possible to work out a schedule that kept 1 the hours below the 19 hours requiring benefits. 2 3 Mayor Linke indicated that he does not feel it is a good idea to have two employees because there 4 is not continuity that is required for some of the tasks. 5 6 MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Marty. To Amend the Original Motion to Authorize to Advertise 7 for Two Part Time Positions Staying Underneath the 19 Hours. 8 9 Council Member Gunn asked what would happen if the City could not find two part timers. 10 11 Council Member Stigney indicated that Staff could come back to Council. 12 13 Council Member Quick indicated that he feels this amendment will make it more difficult to fill 14 the position and if the amendment is passed it will make it more difficult to find someone who is 15 adequate for the job and someone who will have a real reason to take the job. He then said that 16 the idea of no benefits takes a whole lot of people out of the running as they are not interested in 17 working toward the lower end of the pay scale with no benefits. He further commented that this 18 City has a history of hiring entry level people and letting them progress up the line to higher 19 levels of employment and he would like to see that continue. 20 21 Council Member Stigney indicated there are no facts presented that a part time person cannot be 22 qualified and there are a lot of people out there that would want to work part time. He then said 23 he takes exception to the statement and he thinks it is workable the way it is and, if not, Staff can 24 come to Council to discuss it further. 25 26 Mayor Linke indicated he appreciated the sentiment and appreciated the idea but he thinks that as 27 a position and as providing service to residents and looking at job duties that trying to split it up 28 will make it difficult to administer and hard to get work done. 29 30 Council Member Quick indicated that the proposal would make more work for the rest of the 31 Staff and cost the City money in the long run. 32 33 Ayes – 2 Nays – 3(Gunn/Linke/Quick) Motion failed. 34 35 Council Member Stigney indicated that the reason he supported going the other way is because 36 he is entirely against this. He then said that it is an entirely unnecessary position. He also 37 indicated that under the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities there is nothing about hearing 38 and he feels that should be listed in order to be a receptionist. 39 40 City Administrator Ulrich indicated that under physical demands it lists hearing and that is in 41 accordance with the ADA requirements. 42 43 Council Member Stigney indicated his view is this is a totally unneeded, unnecessary position 44 and he thinks the City does not need this at all is there is an automated system and this would 45 Mounds View City Council November 24, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 10 create a position that would answer the calls and route them through the system when the system 1 already does that. He further commented that he feels this is an unnecessary expenditure and he 2 does not support it at all. 3 4 Ayes – 4 Nays – 1(Stigney) Motion carried. 5 6 E. Resolution 6138 and 6139, Authorization to Advertise for Two New Police 7 Officer Positions (Referendum) and One Replacement Police Officer 8 9 Police Chief Sommer indicated that the Resolutions authorize to advertise for the two positions 10 created by the referendum as well as a position created by internal promotion to sergeant. 11 12 MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolutions 6138 and 13 6139 Authorizing to Advertise for Two New Police Officer Positions and One Replacement 14 Police Officer. 15 16 Council Member Stigney asked what the dollar figure for the positions is. 17 18 Chief Sommer indicated it would be as set forth in the Law Enforcement Labor Services union 19 contract. 20 21 Council Member Quick asked if the City could post internally only for the sergeant position. 22 23 Chief Sommer indicated he would recommend that. 24 25 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 26 27 F. Resolution 6136, a Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of a Character 28 Generator 29 30 MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6136, a 31 Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of a Character Generator. 32 33 Council Member Stigney asked what happens to the old one. 34 35 Mr. Gammell indicated it is not working properly but it will be added to the excess equipment 36 list and sold as is. 37 38 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 39 40 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 41 42 A. City Council Minutes November 10, 2003 43 44 Mounds View City Council November 24, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 11 Council Member Marty requested the following changes: Page 7, Line 28 insert “are addressed”. 1 On Page 11, Line 21 change to Special Meeting Session. On Page 5, Line 24 delete the last 2 word “know”. On Page 6, Line 26 after higher prices insert “by the Mermaid”. On Page 9, Line 3 28 change last word from “the” to “their”. 4 5 MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Quick. To Approve the City Council Minutes for November 10, 6 2003 as Amended. 7 8 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9 10 11. REPORTS 11 12 A. Reports of Mayor and Council 13 14 Council Member Marty indicated he attended the Abbey Carpet open house and was impressed 15 with the building. 16 17 Council Member Stigney indicated that he had attended the open house and was impressed as 18 well. He then indicated that he had discussed the matter of abstaining from voting by unanimous 19 consent of Council and the City Attorney had recommended amending the Ordinance. 20 21 City Attorney Riggs indicated it would be a simple ordinance amendment. 22 23 Council Member Gunn thanked residents on behalf of the Irondale Marching Knights for the 24 emotion and financial support. 25 26 Council Member Quick invited Council Members to take a look at the manhole covers on his 27 block to see what he was talking about with the plow. 28 29 B. Reports of Staff 30 31 1) Golf Course Cell Phone Update 32 33 Council Member Stigney asked why there was a cell phone for the clubhouse and why the land 34 line is not used. 35 36 Golf Course Manager Burg indicated that there are no minutes on that phone and the Staff uses 37 the radio feature of Nextel to communicate without having to phone in. 38 39 City Administrator Ulrich asked Council to consider canceling the December 22, 2003 Council 40 Meeting and indicated that the City Attorney would attend the first meeting instead and there is 41 nothing scheduled for that agenda. 42 43 Council Member Stigney indicated that the Charter states that there must be two Council 44 meetings per month. 45 Mounds View City Council November 24, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 12 1 Council discussed the matter and agreed to cancel the December 22, 2003 Council meeting if 2 there are no legal issues with doing so. 3 4 Police Chief Sommer handed out an organizational chart to Council. 5 6 Mayor Linke asked Staff to make sure that everything handed out gets in the public book. 7 8 C. Reports of City Attorney 9 10 None. 11 12 12. Next Council Work Session: Monday, December 1, 2003 13 Next Council Meeting: Monday, December 1, 2003 (Special) 14 15 13. ADJOURNMENT 16 17 Mayor Linke adjourned the meeting at 8:24 p.m. 18 19 20 Transcribed and recorded by: 21 22 23 Joan Lenzmeier 24 Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 25 Item No. 08C Meeting Date: December 8, 2003 Type of Business: CA City Administrator Review _______ City of Mounds View Staff Report To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: Kurt Ulrich, City Administrator Item Title/Subject: Resolution 6144 Setting the 2004 Meeting Dates for City Council Meetings DISCUSSION: Based on the Council’s schedule of conducting a Work Session the first Monday of each month and conducting Council meetings the second and fourth Mondays of each month, attached it a proposed list of Council meeting and Work Session dates for 2004. Two legal holidays fall on dates that would otherwise be considered Council meetings—Day after Independence Day (July 5, 2004 – in accordance with Section 3.10 of the Personnel Manual), and Labor Day (September 6th). For these dates, the schedule reflects a Tuesday meeting date. RECOMMENDATION: Reschedule the meetings that fall on the identified holidays and adopt Resolution 6144 setting the 2004 Meeting Dates for City Council Meetings and Work Sessions. Respectfully Submitted, __________________________ Kurt Ulrich, City Administrator RESOLUTION NO. 6144 CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW COUNTY OF RAMSEY STATE OF MINNESOTA RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW OFFICIAL 2004 MEETING CALENDAR FOR THE CITY COUNCIL WHEREAS, Minnesota Statute 412.191 requires that City Councils set an official calendar for Council Meetings; and WHEREAS, the City’s Charter states that the City Council shall meet regularly at least twice monthly as they may designate by ordinance; and WHEREAS, Chapter 105 of the Mounds View City Code states that regular meetings of the City Council shall be held on the second and fourth Monday of every month at 7:00 p.m.; and WHEREAS, the City Council has traditionally scheduled Work Sessions on the first Monday of the month; and WHEREAS, the City’s Code further state that if that Monday is a legal holiday the meeting shall be canceled or held on another date and time; and WHEREAS, July 5, 2004 and September 6, 2004, are legal holidays falling on a Monday that would otherwise be a regularly scheduled Council meeting date; in accordance with the City Code, these meetings dates have been rescheduled to the following July 6, 2004, and September 7, 2004. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mounds View City Council does hereby establish the Official City of Mounds View City Council Meeting Calendar for the year 2004 as shown in Exhibit A and that unless otherwise posted, all City Council meetings are to begin at 7:00 pm. Adopted this 8th day of December, 2003. ____________________________________ Jerry Linke, Mayor ATTEST: ____________________________________ Kurt Ulrich, City Administrator (SEAL) EXHIBIT A WORK SESSIONS COUNCIL MEETINGS January 05 January 12 January 26 February 02 February 09 February 23 March 01 March 08 March 22 April 05 April 12 April 26 May 03 May 10 May 24 June 07 June 14 June 28 July 06 July 12 July 26 August 02 August 09 August 23 September 07 September 13 September 27 October 04 October 11 October 25 November 01 November 08 November 22 December 06 December 13 December 27